The allegations against actor-producer Alec Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed concerning the fatal gunshot on the “Rust” set are reduced. According to newly filed court documents, Baldwin and Guiterrez-Reed will now only encounter a charge of involuntary manslaughter without an enhancement for firearm use.
Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez Reed were accused of two counts of involuntary manslaughter for the murder of “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the film set south of Santa Fe on October 21, 2021.
The lowest mandatory punishment for this offense would have been five years in jail had the now-rescinded increase not been applied. This reduces the maximum sentence for unintentional murder from life in prison to 18 months and a $5,000 fee for Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed.
Brewer stated, “The prosecution’s priority is securing justice, not billable hours for big-city attorneys.”
Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed needed to appear in court for the first time on Friday, February 24, so this submission arrived just in time. In all likelihood, both Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed will participate in the hearing via video conference.
Baldwin’s defense argued earlier this month that the weapon increase was not in state law in October 2021. In a motion filed earlier this month, Baldwin’s attorneys argued that the firearm enhancement penalty was “unconstitutional.”
They argued that the current iteration of the firearm-enhancement law would not go into effect until May 18, 2022 — approximately seven months after the accidental gunfire that injured the film’s director, Joel Souza.
Baldwin and Gutierrez Reed are still being charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter, but they can only be found guilty of one count each. New Mexico law permits prosecutors to file “alternative” charges, allowing juries to determine the most applicable count. In this case, Carmack-Altwies suggested that Baldwin and Gutierrez Reed be guilty of accidental homicide or, “in the alternative,” careless use of a lethal weapon.
Carmack-Altweis has given the case to Andrea Reeb, who used to be the District Attorney. Additionally, Baldwin’s defense contests Reeb’s participation in the case and seeks her dismissal. That paperwork is still waiting for a judge’s ruling.
Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed were suspects of shooting the film cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. She was shot and killed at the Bonzana Creek Ranch near Santa Fe on October 21, 2021, by Baldwin’s gun during practice.
Baldwin has said he is not to blame for Hutchins’ murder and has pointed fingers at other staff members who should be monitoring the firearms and safety on set.
In a motion filed earlier this month, Baldwin’s legal team argued that special counsel Andrea Reeb should be removed from the case because, as a state lawmaker, she is barred by the New Mexico Constitution from serving in the judiciary and administrative departments.
However, Rust Movie Productions revealed last week that they would be restarting filming this spring with many of the initial cast and staff members.
Baldwin intends to reprise his role as the seasoned outlaw Harland Rust in the film.
The producers stated they intend to add two safety officers, prohibit using firearms and ammunition, and employ union crew members. Matthew Hutchins, Hutchins’ widower, is entering production as an executive producer.